Putin s Patriots: Russian money and influence in Australia, Four Corners

Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he wants Russia to reclaim its former glory. In doing so, he expects the support of Russians across the globe, wherever they may live. Our investigation has uncovered the activities of a cluster of dedicated proRussian nationalist groups in Australia. Some are explicit about their mission to wage a propaganda war to help further the Kremlins global agenda prompting analysts to warn Australia that it should be paying close attention. Weve also uncovered new information linking an alleged Russian money laundering scheme in Australia to a powerful figure in the Putin government, and reveal new details about how a Russian billionaire with an investment here tried to coopt the Australian government to help lift punitive financial sanctions placed on his company by the United States. At a time when our federal government is focused on foreign interference, this investigation shines some light on an area some experts describe as a potential emerging threat. Read m